Latest coronavirus update and instructions for clients in Siun sote area

This page contains the current information on the coronavirus situation in North Karelia and the related coronavirus instructions.

Coronavirus situation

You can follow the coronavirus situation in all of Finland and in the operating area of Siun sote on the application of the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL): Coronamap.

• Check the current situation in different regions on the website of the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (thl.fi)

If you think you might have a coronavirus infection

Symptoms of the coronavirus disease include headache, loss of smell or taste, head cold or blocked nose, cough, shortness of breath, loss of energy or fatigue, muscle pain, throat pain or irritated throat, fever, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea.

• See instructions on taking a coronavirus test

Face masks recommended

The use of a face mask is recommended in public indoor spaces and public transport. The use of mask is also recommended in outdoor areas where there are other people staying or moving around. The recommendations apply to both unvaccinated and vaccinated persons.

• Wearing a face covering when in Siun sote service points as a client or patient is highly recommended if it is possible for the person to do so.

• More detailed information on the recommendation and instructions for using a face mask can be found on the website of the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare: Recommendation on the use of face masks for citizens.

If you cannot afford a face mask, you can get it from a distribution point. More information on the distribution of face masks can be found on the Siun sote website (only in Finnish).

Other recommendations

Recommendations currently in force in North Karelia:

• In all recreational activity, it is recommended that general instructions of good hygiene should be practiced.

• Restaurants are recommended to adopt the COVID-19 passport. Restrictions on restaurant opening hours, hours for serving alcoholic beverages and amount of customers allowed can be found on the Government website: https://valtioneuvosto.fi/en/information-on-coronavirus/current-restrictions/restaurants.

• For the time being, it is recommended to avoid organising and participating in private events.

• No public events or public meetings of more than 20 people may be organised indoors. The restriction is valid until 14 February.

• No public events or public meetings of more than 50 people may be organised in restricted outdoor spaces. The restriction is valid until 14 February.

• At public events and when organising public gatherings, hygiene practices required by law must be observed, such as the possibility to clean one's hands, to maintain sufficient distances from others, and the cleaning of facilities.

• When travelling abroad, it is recommended that instructions issued by the Government and the Finnish Institute of Health and welfare should be observed.

  • Travel to and from Finland (valtioneuvosto.fi)

  • Travel and the coronavirus pandemic (thl.fi)

It is safe to use our services

We do our best to continue providing services as normally as possible while ensuring the safety of patients, customers and personnell.

• Do not cancel your appointment unless you have a reason to. It's safe to visit our locations.
• Your appointment may also be carried out by telephone or remotely.
• Call first. Many issues can be handled directly over the phone, or you can be directed to the right place.
• Call first if you are experiencing flu symptoms and have an appointment at a social services office, dental care, or child health clinic. Your appointment may be postponed or carried out remotely.

Instructions for visitors

We aim to prevent the spread of coronavirus at our locations. That is why we ask you to follow these practices for the time being:

• Call beforehand about coming to visit.
• Follow the instructions provided by the personnel regarding the meeting place and protective measures.
• Only come for the visit if you are healthy and not having any kind of symptoms.
• Have no more than one person accompany you to your appointment.

Protect yourself against infections and prevent their spread

We can all do our part to slow down the spread of the coronavirus.

Protect yourself and others:

• Get vaccinated.

• If you get sick, stay at home.

• Remember hygiene: hands, masks, safe distance.

• Keep the Koronavilkku app enabled.

• Use the COVID-19 passport.

Information about coronavirus

The national helpline 0295 535 535 and chat offer general information about coronavirus from 8:00 to 21:00 on weekdays and from 9:00 to 15:00 on Saturdays. The number does not provide health advice or guidance if you have acute symptoms requiring emergency care.

More information about coronavirus is available on the website of the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare.

Counselling and support

Do not worry alone; talk to your loved ones. If you feel you need to talk to a professional, you may call the 24-hour social emergency services at +358 13 330 9002 or intensified psychiatric open care for adult psychiatry at +358 13 330 2132 (between 8:00 and 21:00 during weekdays, weekends and public holidays between 13:00 and 15:00).